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You've got the passion. You've got the vision. You've got the people behind you. And you still can't get a yes. Why? Because you're speaking YOUR language — not theirs.This episode of NoBS Wealth hits different. We're back in the studio with consultant and community builder Gabriel Langley, and we're going deep on one of the most overlooked problems destroying small businesses and community-driven projects today — the dangerous gap between hustle and strategy. Gabriel brings a real scenario to the table: a community event center project 10 years in the making. Passionate people. Powerful vision. Strong relationships. And a graveyard of nos from every major funding institution and city official they approached. The problem wasn't the project. The problem was the translation. They were not speaking the language that decision-makers needed to hear in order to say yes.This is the episode that will make you pause and ask yourself the question that most business owners are terrified to answer: Are YOU the reason your business isn't moving? Not because you're not working hard enough — you probably are. But because hustle without positioning is just exhaustion dressed up in motivation. It gets you in the room. It doesn't get you the check. Gabriel breaks down exactly what it took to wake this team up, what the numbers revealed that a decade of passion couldn't, and why the moment those 20 pages hit the table, everything changed. The real aha wasn't the proposal. It was realizing they had outgrown their own playbook.We run through the Noise vs. Truth rapid-fire segment and bust two myths that are holding entrepreneurs hostage right now. Myth one: if the vision is strong enough, someone will fund it. Myth two: keep pushing and it'll eventually work. The truth? Funders in 2026 don't care about your passion. They care about your contingency plan in a volatile market. And if you can't show them that — with data, demographics, job analysis, and projections — your pitch is noise. Doesn't matter how many doors you knock on.Then we walk through Gabriel's powerful 3-step framework that every business owner, founder, or dreamer needs tattooed somewhere visible: Surface the real problem. Make the invisible visible. Create the path forward. These aren't buzzwords. This is the actual process that turned a stalled 10-year dream into a funded, energized, actionable plan. And the urgency of the first 30 days after that clarity hits? That's the momentum that either saves your business or lets it die on the vine.We close this one out honoring Black History Month in a way that goes beyond the surface. Gabriel shares what the month means to him personally — rooted in his father's legacy, the African tradition of storytelling, As always we ask you to comment, DM, whatever it takes to have a conversation to help you take the next step in your journey, reach out on any platform!Twitter, FaceBook, Instagram, Tiktok, LinkedinDISCLOSURE: Awards and rankings by third parties are not indicative of future performance or client investment success. Past performance does not guarantee future results. All investment strategies carry profit/loss potential and cannot eliminate investment risks. Information discussed may not reflect current positions/recommendations. While believed accurate, Black Mammoth does not guarantee information accuracy. This broadcast is not a solicitation for securities transactions or personalized investment advice. Tax/estate planning information is general - consult professionals for specific situations. Full disclosures at www.blackmammoth.com.
Today I want to talk about something that might challenge you a little bit. Funders do care about your story. They care about the people you serve. They care about impact. But they invest in systems. After nearly 40 years in the nonprofit space, I've watched organizations tell powerful, emotional stories — and still walk away without funding. Not because the story wasn't strong. But because the structure behind it wasn't. If you've been leading with story but struggling with sustainability, this conversation will help you understand what funders are actually evaluating. Stories open hearts. Systems open checkbooks. And if you want funding to be consistent, you have to build what makes you safe to invest in.
NEW: Send us Your Comments!This Week's Topics:* Don't worry about SCOTUS Tariff Ruling! 3:30* VIDEO: Bessent Lays out the Plan 6:00* Tariffs have cut US Trade Deficit by 78% 8:30* OUR JOB is to Call Thune EVERYDAY! 11:00* Here is Why Dems are so Desperate! 14:00* Homan says no retreat from Minneapolis 18:00* Anti-ICE Riots run by Revolutionaries! 20:30* Sen. Banks: Check into Foreign Funding 24:00* VIDEO: Patel Say we Found the Funders 27:00* New:Worst of Worst DHS Website 30:00* Biden gave Amnesty to 1 Million Illegals 31:00* Trump Team Cancels 100,000 Visas 35:30* MN taxpayers are paying for Riots 37:30* NY Islamic Call to Prayer 40:30* Texas Ballot Harvesting Bank Upheld 44:00* VA will vote on Dem Redistricting Plan 45:30* VIDEO: 2020 Election Fraud Evidence 49:00* Trump give Iran 10 Day Ultimatum 60:00* Rubio Talking to Cuba 1:03:00* Board of Peace Raises $5 B for Gaza 1:06:00* RFK Looking into Ultra-Processed Foods 1:07:30* Trump sign order protecting Roundup! 1:10:30* Dems Beg Trump for help on DC Sewer 1:14:00* Dems will boycott State of the Union 1:17:00* Wall Street can Legally Seize your Savings! 1:19:00* What's this about Bannon and Epstein 1:22:00* Zuckerberg Testifies in Social Media Case 1:27:00* Trump Getting Behind Social Media Ban? 1:30:00* Trump Pledges to Releases UAP Files! 1:33:00* Two More Trans Cases Hit the Courts 1:35:00* Woke Kills Citizens with Incompetence! 1:37:30* Trump Talks Affordability in GA Speech 1:41:00* US Mortgage Rate falls to 6% 1:42:30* Trump Approval back up to 50% 1:44:30* PragerU Freedom Trucks for 250th! 1:47:30* WTPC 250th Banner 1:54:00Support the showView our Podcast and our other videos and news stories at:www.WethePeopleConvention.orgSend Comments and Suggestions to:info@WethePeopleConvention.org
How you talk to your funders shapes how they understand your work, your community, and your impact. Farra Trompeter, co-director, talks with grant writer and fundraising strategist, Dani Fauklner, about why nonprofits must rethink traditional, jargon-heavy fundraising language. Together, they explore practical ways teams can audit and improve proposals, reports, and messaging. Learn how cross-team communication can help nonprofits secure funding without compromising integrity.
In episode 247 of America Adapts, host Doug Parsons hosts Dr. Mekala Krishnan, partner at the McKinsey Global Institute, for an inside look at how one of the world's most influential private research institutions is approaching climate adaptation. Drawing from MGI's recent report, Advancing Adaptation, the conversation explores what it would actually cost to protect people and economies from escalating heat, flooding, drought, and wildfire — and why investment still falls short even when the economic case is strong.. The discussion also examines how ideas developed within a private firm travel into real-world decision-making, and why governance, leadership, and awareness remain critical to ensuring that new data and tools translate into action. For listeners working at the intersection of climate risk, finance, infrastructure, and policy, this episode offers a clear view into how the private sector is framing adaptation — and what that framing could mean for the future of the field. Key Themes Covered in This Episode Why the McKinsey Global Institute is focusing on adaptation now What it costs to respond to rising physical climate risk The resiliency gap and why investment remains insufficient How climate risk is entering mainstream economic thinking What large-scale adaptation models include — and exclude Governance, leadership, and awareness as scaling constraints The need for shared language between public and private actors Links & Resources from This Episode Advancing adaptation: How evolving hazards could shape the agenda Dr. Mekala Krishnan Ten key requirements for a systemic approach to climate adaptation For Educators & Students This episode is well-suited for courses on climate adaptation, environmental economics, climate risk management, corporate sustainability, public policy, or infrastructure finance. Key themes include physical risk modeling, cost-benefit analysis, capital allocation, governance constraints, and the expanding role of the private sector in adaptation. Professors are welcome to assign this episode or excerpts in syllabi. Who Should Listen to This Episode Climate adaptation and resilience practitioners Corporate sustainability, risk, and strategy professionals Urban and regional planners working on long-term resilience Insurance, finance, and reinsurance professionals Researchers and students studying climate governance or environmental economics Government staff involved in adaptation planning Funders interested in scaling adaptation solutions Climate communicators bridging public and private perspectives ClimateTech Connect Conference Mentioned in the Episode! ClimateTech Connect RegistrationUse code: AAVIP for 25% discount off ticket prices Support for America Adapts helps make episodes like this possible, including more international conversations on how adaptation is unfolding globally. All donations are now tax deductible! Check out the America Adapts Media Kit here! Subscribe to the America Adapts newsletter here. Listen to America Adapts on your favorite app here! Facebook, Linkedin and Bluesky: https://www.facebook.com/americaadapts/ https://bsky.app/profile/americaadapts.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-parsons-america-adapts/ Doug Parsons and Speaking Opportunities: If you are interested in having Doug speak at corporate and conference events, sharing his unique, expert perspective on adaptation in an entertaining and informative way, Now on Spotify! List of Previous Guests on America Adapts Follow/listen to podcast on Apple Podcasts. The 10 Best Sustainability Podcasts for Environmental Business Leadershttps://us.anteagroup.com/news-events/blog/10-best-sustainability-podcasts-environmental-business-leaders For more information on this podcast, visit the website at http://www.americaadapts.org and don't forget to subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts. Podcast Music produce by Richard Haitz Productions Write a review on Apple Podcasts ! America Adapts on Facebook! Join the America Adapts Facebook Community Group. Check us out, we're also on YouTube! Subscribe to America Adapts on Apple Podcasts Doug can be contacted at americaadapts @ g mail . com
In this episode of Skin in the Game, Saxon Baum sits down with Brian Hollins, co-founder of Collide Capital, for a wide ranging conversation on venture capital, institutional fundraising, and the mindset required to build a differentiated early-stage firm.Brian's story begins just outside Washington, D.C., where he grew up as the oldest of three brothers in a disciplined and competitive household. His middle brother, Mack Hollins, famously received no college football offers, walked on at UNC, and went on to build a nine-year NFL career that includes a Super Bowl championship. His youngest brother served in the Marines. That foundation of resilience, accountability, and high standards continues to shape Brian's approach to leadership and investing.The conversation traces his path from Stanford, where a culture of ambition and innovation pushes students to think boldly, to Goldman Sachs, where he helped build the Emerging Entrepreneurs Coverage Group. During that time, he learned how to create real value for founders before ever writing a check, including early work supporting companies like Plaid. Those experiences laid the groundwork for how he thinks about venture capital today.Brian also explains why he approached business school intentionally, using it as a strategic platform to build relationships and lay the foundation for launching Collide Capital. The discussion highlights the difference between raising a fund and building a firm, and what it takes to earn long-term institutional LP support.The episode concludes with a look at Collide Capital's investment focus on fintech infrastructure, supply chain and logistics, and the future of Gen Z in the workforce and why the best founders are relentlessly focused on solving one core problem.A thoughtful and candid discussion on building with intention and playing the long game. Tune in to this episode. You don't want to miss this one!
In this episode of the Fund the People Podcast, listeners will gain practical insight into how philanthropy can evolve to meet today's interconnected crises—and what funders can do differently right now to support justice, sustainability, and nonprofit workers. Host Rusty Stahl is joined by nationally recognized philanthropic leader, lawyer, and author Dimple Abichandani, whose new book, A New Era of Philanthropy: Ten Practices to Transform Wealth into a More Just and Sustainable Future, offers a bold reimagining of philanthropy's purpose and practice.Together, Rusty and Dimple explore why so many funders are skeptical that philanthropy can rise to this moment, tracing those doubts back to the field's historical roots in Andrew Carnegie's “Gospel of Wealth” and the enduring legacy of Gilded Age thinking. They focus especially on the importance of investing in nonprofit people, with Dimple sharing concrete examples from her time as a foundation CEO—including "healing justice" grants that helped address burnout, trauma, and precarity in grantee organizations of General Service Foundation before and during the pandemic. The conversation closes with a compelling invitation to move beyond 'gilded philanthropy' toward 'true alchemy': transforming wealth through care, listening, and solidarity, so that communities can genuinely thrive.Gust bio: Dimple Abichandani is a nationally recognized philanthropic leader, writer, and lawyer, and author of a forthcoming book, A New Era of Philanthropy: Ten Practices to Transform Wealth Into a More Just Future, that offers fresh answers to the question of how philanthropy can meet this moment.Related episodes:How Funders Can Support Nonprofit Workers in the Age of Burnout, Part 3 – with Desiree Flores, Executive Director, General Service FoundationLinks to Resources:A New Era of Philanthropy book by Dimple AbichandaniDimple Abichandani websiteFor Philanthropy, This Actually Isn't 2016 All Over Again, Dimple Abichandani letter in The Chronicle of Philanthropy, November 2024To Ensure Nonprofit Wellbeing, Invest in Wages, Workloads and Working Conditions Rusty Stahl's guest post on Center for Effective Philanthropy blog, June 2024
Fellow Funders ( https://bit.ly/4cl7ucz ) es una plataforma de crowdfunding autorizada por la CNMV de la que quizá hayas oído hablar, crowdlender (no en vano lleva con nosotros desde 2016, ¡casi una década!) pero de la que probablemente no conoces todo lo que puede ofrecerte, dado que nos permite invertir no ya en las clásicas operaciones de crowdequity sino además en activos tangibles como bienes inmuebles y -con un foco especial en Fellow Funders- en activos productivos agrícolas, es decir cosas que puedes ver y tocar… ATENCIÓN: ¡Hey Crowdlender!, Únete a Fellow Funders ( https://bit.ly/4cl7ucz ) desde nuestros enlaces exclusivos y llévate… ¡¡70 eurazos de bienvenida totalmente gratis con tu primera inversión :)!! Tienes todos los detalles al completo de nuestra súper-review de Fellow Funders Opiniones aquí: https://todocrowdlending.com/fellow-funders-new/ Disclaimer: Recuerda que este clip de información y opinión no constituye en ningún caso una recomendación de inversión. Más allá de nuestras opiniones personales, cada inversor debe tomar sus propias decisiones. Invertir en proyectos crowd conlleva riesgos, incluyendo la pérdida del capital invertido. Este clip puede contener enlaces de afiliación y/o estar hecho en colaboración con las empresas mencionadas.
Simon Scriver's Amazingly Ultimate Fundraising Superstar Podcast
What if someone actually followed through on that joke we all make: "If I won the lottery, I'd fund the boring stuff"? In this episode, host Simon Scriver sits down with Christina Poulton, the creator of The Boring Fund—a micro-grant initiative that started as an Instagram joke and turned into a movement that awarded 43 grants to small charities across the UK. Christina shares how a post featuring her daughter's teddy bear as "Chair of Trustees" went viral in the non-profit world, sparking over 500,000 engagements and revealing a desperate need for funding that covers the unsexy essentials: insurance, web hosting, accountancy, shelving, and yes- even biscuits for community groups. In this conversation, you'll discover: - Why traditional grant applications are built on mistrust rather than partnership - How Christina stripped her application process down to under 5 minutes - What happens when charities can't afford the "boring stuff" (spoiler: they reduce delivery or close down) - The emotional relief organisations felt when they didn't have to "dress up" what they actually needed - Why The Boring Fund is going open-source and spreading to countries around the world - How funders can learn from this accessible, transparent approach to grant-making If you've ever sat on a rickety chair writing a grant application for someone else's shiny project while your own operational costs go unfunded, this episode is for you. Find Christina: Website LinkedIn Instagram Click here to subscribe to our email list for exclusive fundraising resources, early access to training, special discounts and more If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to hit follow and enable notifications so you'll get notified to be first to hear of future podcast episodes. We'd love to see you back again! And thank you to our friends at JustGiving who make the Fundraising Everywhere Podcast possible.
In episode 246 of America Adapts, host Doug Parsons hosts Dr. Shiran Victoria Shen, assistant professor at Washington University in St. Louis, for a closer look at how climate adaptation actually emerges in China. Drawing on her research after the devastating 2021 Henan flood, Shen shows how public demand for adaptation surged—not through climate change language, but through calls for safety, infrastructure, and risk reduction, often using formal government channels. The conversation highlights adaptation as a lived governance issue rather than an ideological one, and surfaces practical lessons about public participation, the limits of top-down approaches, and what governments everywhere tend to respond to when climate risk becomes impossible to ignore. Transcript of interview here. Key Themes Covered in This Episode How public demand for climate adaptation emerges after extreme disasters Why people often ask for adaptation without using "climate change" language The 2021 Henan flood as a national turning point for adaptation awareness in China Public participation and formal governance channels, including the Local Leaders' Message Board Differences between adaptation and mitigation from a governance perspective The limits of top-down adaptation and where citizen influence realistically ends What adaptation in China reveals about public engagement globally Lessons for policymakers, planners, and communicators working outside the U.S. Links & Resources from This Episode Shiran Victoria Shen – Faculty Page (Washington University in St. Louis) The 2021 Henan flood increased citizen demand for government-led climate change adaptation in China Shiran Victoria Shen – Research & Publications Dialogue Earth article: How the Chinese public is engaging in climate adaptation China's National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy (latest version) Background on the 2021 Henan Flood For Educators & Students This episode is well-suited for courses on climate adaptation, environmental governance, public policy, or comparative politics. Key themes include public participation, disaster response, adaptation without climate language, and institutional limits. Professors are welcome to assign this episode or excerpts in syllabi. Who Should Listen to This Episode Climate adaptation and resilience practitioners Urban and regional planners working on risk, infrastructure, or public engagement Researchers and students studying climate governance, adaptation, or comparative policy Government staff and policymakers involved in disaster response or long-term planning Funders and foundations interested in how public demand shapes adaptation outcomes Climate communicators looking to move beyond technical or ideological framing Anyone interested in how climate adaptation is unfolding outside the United States Support for America Adapts helps make episodes like this possible, including more international conversations on how adaptation is unfolding globally. All donations are now tax deductible! Check out the America Adapts Media Kit here! Subscribe to the America Adapts newsletter here. Listen to America Adapts on your favorite app here! Facebook, Linkedin and Bluesky: https://www.facebook.com/americaadapts/ https://bsky.app/profile/americaadapts.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-parsons-america-adapts/ Doug Parsons and Speaking Opportunities: If you are interested in having Doug speak at corporate and conference events, sharing his unique, expert perspective on adaptation in an entertaining and informative way, Now on Spotify! List of Previous Guests on America Adapts Follow/listen to podcast on Apple Podcasts. The 10 Best Sustainability Podcasts for Environmental Business Leadershttps://us.anteagroup.com/news-events/blog/10-best-sustainability-podcasts-environmental-business-leaders For more information on this podcast, visit the website at http://www.americaadapts.org and don't forget to subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts. Podcast Music produce by Richard Haitz Productions Write a review on Apple Podcasts ! America Adapts on Facebook! Join the America Adapts Facebook Community Group. Check us out, we're also on YouTube! Subscribe to America Adapts on Apple Podcasts Doug can be contacted at americaadapts @ g mail . com
We discussed a few things including: 1. Your career journeys 2. Gitte's biotech venture 3. Garnet's venture capital firm 4. Discuss effects of federal policies on innovation ecosystem 5. Discuss outlook for 2026 Garnet Heraman is a serial entrepreneur and investor with 25 years experience at the intersection of innovation + technology. Originally from the island nation of Trinidad & Tobago, he was educated at Columbia University (BA), NYU (MBA) and The London School of Economics. As a dotcom entrepreneur Garnet had 3 exits, 1 of which was to a publicly traded company. As an investor, he is co-founder and managing partner of Aperture® Venture Capital, a seed stage fintech fund backed by 7 different Fortune 500 corporations. He is also an LP in other VC funds such as NY InsurTech Fund II and the Berkeley Skydeck Fund, as well as a prolific angel investor. Garnet is highly sought after as a startup technology expert, appearing in over 30 business publications and at events on 5 continents. ------ Gitte Pedersen is a scientist, CEO, company builder, and investor with a mission to improve health and sustainability. RNA enthusiast. Focused on helping cancer patients survive through better diagnostics and treatment navigation tools. Serial entrepreneur. Advised several small and medium-sized biotech companies and the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, bringing in +$1B deals to Danish Biotech companies. Advised the European Commission on evidence-based innovation and investment policies. Won numerous prizes and awards and raised $8M+ in grants. Worked at Novo Nordisk in several management positions, inventing, developing and bringing multiple products to market worldwide. #podcast #AFewThingsPodcast
The founder behind Orlando's first unicorn, Stax, and now, Worth AI, join sus on a new episode of Skin in the Game. Suneera Madhani shares her scrappy story of turning a dream into a billion-dollar fintech business with her brother, exiting their first company together, and how they landed on the idea for their latest venture, an AI-based onboarding & underwriting workflow automation platform, where she currently serves as Chief Evangelist Officer.Suneera also shares about founding CEO School, a podcast and platform giving women the "Have-It-All" formula to scale like real CEOs, and offers some secrets as to why second-time founders move faster. They discuss how AI can enable leaner teams with outsize output and zero in on why Suneera remains deeply passionate about building in Florida.
When nonprofit leaders hear the word risk, they often think about money. Funders think about something very different. Funders don't avoid impact. They avoid uncertainty. If your nonprofit keeps hearing "not right now" or "not a fit," this conversation will help you understand what funders are seeing and how to position your organization differently.
“What's Buggin' You” segment for Friday 1-23-26
When funders talk about capacity, many nonprofit leaders hear one thing: money. But that's not what capacity actually means, and misunderstanding it is one of the biggest reasons nonprofits stay unfunded. Capacity is about ability, not balance. It's about whether your nonprofit can deliver what it promises. If you've been told you "lack capacity" and assumed it meant you needed more money, this video will change how you see funding and how you prepare for it.
In the nonprofit world, “funding” is often treated like a finish line. But in this conversation, Gloria Dixon—Executive Director and Director of Philanthropy at the BECU Foundation—frames it as something more useful: a long-term business relationship built on trust, clarity, and shared accountability.Gloria begins with BECU's origin story, rooted in cooperative problem-solving: in 1935, Boeing employees pooled money in a tin box so colleagues could buy the tools they needed to work. That same “people helping people” ethos still shapes how BECU shows up today—through products and services, employee volunteerism, and philanthropic partnerships designed to strengthen community financial health.From there, the discussion moves into what many nonprofits are feeling right now: shifts in funding, rising uncertainty, and the need to adjust strategy without losing momentum. Gloria makes the business case for longer-term, larger-dollar commitments—because multi-year stability gives nonprofits room to plan, staff, and deliver outcomes instead of living in perpetual fundraising churn. She explains trust-based philanthropy as a power shift that respects expertise closest to the work: “We have to trust them to do the work…give them the funding they need… and then just get out their way so they can do the best work.”That mindset shows up in BECU Foundation's approach to grants. Instead of long, technical applications, Gloria's team prioritizes conversation and relationship—practical for a small staff overseeing partnerships with nearly 300 nonprofits annually, and aligned with how trust actually gets built. Reporting expectations, she explains, vary by the size and structure of the partnership—light-touch for small, one-time support, and more defined reporting for multi-year agreements.Perhaps the most refreshing business lesson is Gloria's view of “competition.” In her words: “There is no competition, never.” The goal isn't brand ownership—it's maximizing community outcomes. BECU also adds value beyond checks: their name can signal credibility to other funders, they share partner insights across philanthropic networks, and they even play matchmaker—connecting senior executives to nonprofit board opportunities when leadership talent is needed.Find us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show
Marc Kramer, Senior Lecturer at VinUniversity and host of the award-winning Asian Founders and Funders, interviews Vicki Wang Managing Director of Soon Cheng
This episode of Skin in the Game features a deep, candid conversation with Felix Hartmann, founder of Hartmann Capital on what it really means to build and invest at the frontier of technology.Felix's story starts long before hedge funds and venture capital. He moved to the U.S. from Germany during the 2008 financial crisis, initially planning to stay for just a year. That plan changed quickly. Early exposure to markets, coding, and emerging technology led him down a path of trading, crypto infrastructure, and eventually founding his own firm and launching Hartmann Capital the same day he signed his first apartment lease.A major theme throughout the episode is conviction through firsthand experience. Felix doesn't invest from a distance. He tests products, uses them extensively, and looks for signals that can't be captured in a pitch deck. Whether it's VR games, smart glasses, or brain computer interface technology, he believes the clearest insight comes from being a real user and understanding how a product fits into daily life.The conversation explores why Felix shifted away from liquid crypto trading and toward long-term venture investing in frontier categories like VR, spatial computing, wearables, and neural interfaces. He explains how hardware limitations slowed VR adoption, why smart glasses may be closer to a breakout moment, and how enterprise use cases often precede consumer adoption. The discussion also touches on sub-vocal communication technology that allows people to interact with devices without speaking out loud and why it could fundamentally change how humans interface with machines.Saxon and Felix also discuss the realities of investing on the “bleeding edge,” where traditional metrics don't exist and patience is required. Felix breaks down how power-law outcomes often come from non-consensus bets and why underfunded categories tend to attract the most mission-driven founders.The episode closes with reflections on geography, talent, and ecosystem building from Florida's role in capital formation to the continued importance of Silicon Valley and Los Angeles for early-stage innovation.
Marc Kramer, Senior Lecturer at VinUniversity and host of the award-winning Asian Founders and Funders, interviews Konomi Takasago CEO/ Founder of VitaBase
Vu Le, founder of Nonprofit AF, joins Stephen Garten to talk about a problem many nonprofit leaders quietly live with: we are trained to tell funders half-truths because we fear losing funding. Vu breaks down how risk-averse philanthropy, obsession with overhead, and competitive grantmaking push nonprofits into scarcity and performance instead of honesty and impact.The conversation makes the case for better communication, collective organizing, and specific reforms like multi-year, general operating support and funder pledges. It also tackles boards, donor dynamics, and why the sector needs bigger imagination and bigger asks.What you will learnWhy nonprofits often feel forced to “sound fine” to funders even when things are not fineHow risk aversion and overhead fixation distort how nonprofits operateWhy collective action, open letters, and naming bad behavior can move fundersThe case for multi-year funding and general operating supportWhy nonprofit boards are frequently ineffective and how governance could be reimaginedHow wealth and power dynamics shape fundraising, especially for orgs led by marginalized communitiesKey takeawaysNonprofits often tell funders half-truths because the power imbalance is real.Many funders are risk-averse and unintentionally punish honesty.Better communication is necessary, but collective organizing is stronger than going it alone.Multi-year funding and general operating support are the practical fixes that matter most.“Crappy funding practices” waste nonprofit time and should be called out.Boards can be effective, useless, or mission-destructive. Too many fall into the last two categories.The sector needs bigger imagination and bigger asks, not tiny grants with giant expectations. ---------------------------About Charity ChargeCharity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.
If your nonprofit is staring at a funding gap in 2026: your money problem may actually be a structure problem. Host Julia C. Patrick welcomes Dr. Sharon Elefant of The Nonprofit Plug to talk about why grants and big gifts don't “save” organizations when the foundation underneath is shaky—things like weak financial controls, unclear governance, founder-centric operations, burnout, and stalled growth.Dr. Elefant frames it in plain language: when infrastructure is messy, even good funding becomes risky. She shares a real example of a funder walking into a site and asking, “What would you do with $100,000?”—and the leader couldn't answer beyond “I need a million.” That moment exposes a common challenge: passion without business readiness. As Dr. Elefant puts it, “Funders don't fund passion. They fund systems… impact… data… proven methodologies.” The practical shift starts with smaller, sharper thinking: her team asks clients, “What would you do with $5,000?” so leaders can articulate spending with purpose and credibility.The duo then connects the dots to the daily realities nonprofit leaders face—grant reporting, accounting requirements, staffing ramps, and the inevitable pressure of post-award management, reminding viewers that grant dollars aren't free; they demand operational strength. Together, they push the conversation toward healthier revenue design: Dr. Elefant suggests keeping grants to a manageable slice (she's comfortable around 25%) and building the remaining 75% through stronger revenue streams like major donors, sponsorships, partnerships, and especially program service revenue. She normalizes earned income with examples nonprofits already recognize—hospitals, daycares, universities—and shows how fees can expand access through sliding scales and subsidized services.The episode lands on relationships and board performance: cultivate funders like humans, ask them what they want, and bring mindset training to the boardroom with clear expectations, accountability, and the courage to treat board service like real work. Sustainable funding follows sustainable operations! 00:00:00 Welcome to 2026 and today's funding reality check 00:01:32 What The Nonprofit Plug does 00:03:18 Why funding problems are structural problems 00:04:46 The $100,000 question leaders struggle to answer 00:06:40 The $5,000 question that builds real clarity 00:09:22 Why grants are episodic and can't create sustainability 00:11:38 A realistic grant percentage and smarter revenue balance 00:12:13 Program service revenue explained and why it's ethical 00:14:24 Contracts with schools and government as revenue pathways 00:18:17 What funders want now trust outcomes survival 00:20:48 Funder cultivation relationship building that wins 00:24:36 Getting boards to shift mindset and raise expectations Find us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show
349: What Funders Want Nonprofit Leaders to Know (Sarah Mann Willcox)SUMMARYThis episode is brought to you by TowneBank, whose ongoing support can be a powerful partner for your organization. Learn more at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking. As you ponder your New Year's resolutions as a nonprofit leader, funding for your organization is almost certainly on the list. That's why Sarah Mann Willcox's insight is such a timely way to begin the year. As Executive Director of the NC Network of Grantmakers - and a former fundraiser herself - Sarah offers an inside look at how funders think, what pressures and constraints they face, and what nonprofit leaders can do in 2026 to build stronger and more authentic relationships with them. She explains why program officers should be seen as partners rather than gatekeepers, how to communicate more effectively about your work, and why transparency helps both sides make better decisions. Sarah also shares broader sector trends: trust-based philanthropy, collaboration across the independent sector, donor-advised funds, and the growing need for collective solutions—as well as candid advice about burnout and leadership sustainability. Her message is clear: if you want a more confident and strategic year of fundraising, it starts with understanding the humans behind the grantmaking process.ABOUT SARAHSarah Mann Willcox is the Executive Director of the NC Network of Grantmakers (NCNG), North Carolina's statewide association for funders. With more than a decade of experience supporting foundations, corporate donors, and philanthropic leaders, she serves as a connector, convener, and trusted guide for grantmakers navigating complex community needs. Sarah previously served as a fundraiser with the NC Center for Nonprofits and brings both sides of the funding relationship into her work—helping funders collaborate more effectively while demystifying the philanthropic landscape for nonprofit leaders. She serves on the board of the United Philanthropy Forum, connecting North Carolina to national conversations about sector health, equity, advocacy, and philanthropic practice.RESOURCESNC Network of Grantmakers – ncgrantmakers.orgUnited Philanthropy Forum – philanthropyforum.orgNational Council of Nonprofits – councilofnonprofits.orgBook recommendation: A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky ChambersArmstrong McGuire – armstrongmcguire.comYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership (Audible edition available)Ready for a Mastermind in 2026?
Fraud Allegations A reported $9+ billion fraud in Minnesota’s Medicaid and childcare programs. Fraud schemes allegedly involved fake daycare centers, autism centers, and home healthcare providers. Claims that funds were diverted to terrorist groups like Al Shabaab. Actors and Accountability Somali immigrants are the primary perpetrators. Minnesota politicians (e.g., Governor Tim Walz) for alleged complicity or negligence. DOJ and FBI investigations mentioned, with 98 individuals charged, 85 of Somali descent. Political Narrative Fraud was tolerated to secure votes and maintain political power by Democrats. Systemic corruption and links to Democratic strategies involving welfare dependency. Media Criticism Mainstream media is ignoring or downplaying the scandal. There is bias and a political cover-up. Federal Response Actions by HHS and other agencies are needed to tighten oversight and stop fraudulent payments. Highlights statements from officials and references to Elon Musk’s earlier warnings about entitlement fraud. Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz X: https://x.com/tedcruz X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trust isn't built in boardrooms, it's built in community. In this episode, Gloria Dixon (Director of Philanthropy + Executive Director, BECU Foundation) joins us for a real talk on what it takes to share power and reimagine funding through a trust-based lens. From her journey in Milwaukee to leading community-centered giving in the Pacific Northwest, Gloria opens up about what's shifting in philanthropy and what still needs to. Together, they dig into why multi-year, unrestricted support matters, how authentic relationships drive impact, and what it means to show up with empathy (not just reports and metrics). It's hopeful, heart-forward, and packed with practical wisdom for anyone navigating the changing landscape of nonprofit funding.Episode Highlights: Sector Challenges and Funding Changes (00:51)Gloria's Background and Upbringing (03:18)Disconnects Between Funders and Nonprofits (05:57)BECU's Community-Focused Funding Approach (08:09)Multi-Year Funding Importance (10:32)Funding Friction and Reporting Challenges (14:17) Trust-Based Partnership Practices (17:58)Employee Engagement and Community Impact (20:53) Advice for Nonprofits: Building Trust (23:11) Gloria's Personal Story of Philanthropy (25:38)Gloria's One Good Thing (29:07) Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/669Thank you to our partners
When a former classroom educator becomes the one writing the checks, EVERYTHING about grantmaking shifts. Dr. Maggie Sullivan Marcus of the Sullivan Family Charitable Foundation brings a rare, dual perspective shaped by years in the classroom and years in philanthropy. Her on-the-ground experience supporting multilingual learner programs is rooted in empathy, deep respect for educators, and a commitment to equity.We get into how small but strategic investments can spark outsized impact, like, DC Public Schools' $2,500 micro-grants. Maggie also shares what it takes to build a multilingual educator pipeline and why meaningful change can't be squeezed into a 12-month grant cycle.Her candor around trust-based philanthropy, power dynamics, and multi-year funding models offers a blueprint for nonprofits eager to move the needle on bolder, more sustainable partnerships.Resources & LinksConnect with Dr. Maggie Sullivan Marcus on LinkedIn and learn more about the Sullivan Family Charitable Foundation on their website.Already have a monthly giving program? The Mini Monthly Giving Mastermind starts in January and is just for you. Register now for the FREE Monthly Giving Summit on February 25-26th, the only virtual event where nonprofits unite to master monthly giving, attract committed believers, and fund the future with confidence. Let's Connect! Send a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn and let us know what you think of the show! My book, The Monthly Giving Mastermind, is here! Grab a copy here and learn my framework to build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good. Want to book Dana as a speaker for your event? Click here!
Ready for an honest conversation on entrepreneurship, leadership, and community? This week, Michelle is joined by product management leader Ashley Jefferson. Discover how blending corporate experience with creative instincts can shape a distinctly authentic approach to business, personal branding, and networking— plus why true connection goes far beyond job titles or online followers. This episode delivers insightful perspectives and practical tips you don't want to miss. Ashley Jefferson is the founder of Startup Baddie, where she works with founders and brands from a product, community, and content perspective. As a fractional product leader, Ashley makes sure you're building the right thing, for the right people, in the right way—and that it drives results (revenue, funding, customers). She draws on a decade of experience at JP Morgan, Prudential, and her work with early-stage founders and medium-sized companies to guide teams through strategy, launches, go-to-market execution, and critical business decisions. She is also the creator of Founders, Funders, Fractionals (F3), a hub for the future of work that brings together founders, investors, and fractional executives. F3 focuses on education, meaningful connections, and practical ways to bring the fractional model into companies. Ashley holds an MBA from NYU Stern and a Bachelor's degree in Business from Seton Hall University. --------------------- In today's episode, we cover the following: Ashley's background and professional journey Corporate vs. creative work styles LinkedIn as a platform for community Podcasting for growth Should you get your MBA? Intersectionality in discussions about community In-person experiences vs. online communities The future of work and community engagement ---------------------- RESOURCES: Get 40% a Strategy Session with Ashley when you us the code KMAPOD25 Watch part one of this episode on LinkedIn! ----------------------- Guest info: To learn more about Ashley and Start Up Baddie, follow them on Instagram @StartUpBaddie and Tik Tok @StartUpBaddieAcademy and visit her website AshleyGraceJefferson.com ----------------------- Boring packaging? Forgettable branding? StickerGiant fixes that with custom stickers and labels designed to make your brand stick—literally. Use code KMAPODCAST25 at stickergiant.com for 25% off your first order. ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! ----------------------- This episode is brought to you by Zencastr. Create high quality video and audio content. Get your first two weeks free at https://zencastr.com/?via=kma . ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma. This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard
Consistency is not glamorous, but it's the engine that keeps a nonprofit's business model running when the calendar flips and the pressure spikes. In this conversation with Matt Glazer, Founder and CEO of Blue Sky Partners (Austin-based, national reach), we talk about building consistent engagement without burning out your team or betting the whole year on a Q4 miracle.Matt brings a practical operator's lens: simplify what repeats, template what you can, and stop trying to cram “97 things” into the final stretch. His philosophy is steady, sustainable progress that makes room for reality—staff illness, unexpected disruptions, and capacity limits—so quality doesn't collapse under urgency. As Matt puts it, “I'm a big believer in doing a little bit of work a lot of the time.”From there, the conversation gets sharply useful for fundraising and stakeholder communications. Matt challenges the sector's fixation on “unicorn donors” and reminds us that the so-called boring work—like building a sustaining donor program—creates real stability. He shares a concrete example from his early nonprofit leadership: by repeatedly communicating the value of monthly giving, his organization grew from zero sustainers to $7,000 per month, proving that small gifts, stacked with intention, can fund real infrastructure.The discussion also tackles a leadership truth many avoid: in many nonprofits, clients and customers are not the same people. Funders may be the “customer” demanding reporting and outcomes, while beneficiaries deserve asset-based language and authentic voice. To bridge those realities, Matt recommends human-centered design tools—journey maps, empathy maps, and personas—to understand how people experience your organization and where alignment between mission, funding, and community needs can become a win for everyone.Finally, Matt introduces decision trees as a way to improve donor asks and engagement pathways by learning not only what people choose—but why they didn't choose the other option. That's how your nonprofit can turn assumptions into strategy and strategy into revenue!#TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitLeadership #FundraisingStrategyFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show
We love Reece Wallace. Not so much because he rides bikes, but more because he pisses off large corporate entities by posting clips of himself in excavator bucket hot tubs. It's also pretty cool that he bought the wings from a plane in which the pilot was beheaded so he could use them at his homemade bike park. Another cool thing about Reece Wallace is that he worked hard to build his career as a freerider and content creator because he has a trust fund. That's actually not true He's never been a trust funder, though people sometimes think he is for some reason. Finally, we love Reece because he has a rad pilot voice, which is mandatory when you're a pilot. It was awesome having him back on. We talk about all of that, the Reece Wallace Invitational, baggy jeans, and a ton more on this...the greatest MTB show in the world...the Gnar Couch Podcast. Guest info: Reece Wallace Check out our store for sick shirts. Got to our Patreon and give us money. We've added old episodes, downloadable songs, and give you early access to raw, uncut shows for only $4.20/month. Get 30% off BLIZ sunglasses and more with the code "sponchesmom".
Private funders are increasingly shifting from funding short-term service delivery to long-term systems change, pushing nonprofits to rethink their role in their community. Many are now asking, how do we stay mission-focused while building the relationships needed to attract funders who want deeper change? In today's episode, we explore the idea of power ecosystems — what they are, how they work, and why they're reshaping the nonprofit-funder relationship. Tune in to learn how to identify your power ecosystem, build collective power, and engage private funders more effectively. Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an email with the subject "NPFX suggestion" to contact@ipmadvancement.com. Additional Resources Public Health and Racial Equity (PHaRE) Model for Systems Change https://gingerleeglobal.com/public-health-and-racial-equity-phare-model-for-systems-change/ [NPFX] Rethinking How We Do Good: What We Can Learn from This Funding Crisis https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/rethinking-how-we-do-good-what-we-can-learn-from-this-funding-crisis [NPFX] Federal Funding Uncertainty: How to Assess the Risks and Respond Strategically https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/federal-funding-uncertainty-how-to-assess-the-risks-and-respond-strategically [NPFX] Building Resilience in the Face of Funding Cuts https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/building-resilience-in-the-face-of-funding-cuts [NPFX] Advocacy Matters: Defending Federal Funding for Nonprofits https://www.ipmadvancement.com/npfx/advocacy-matters-defending-federal-funding-for-nonprofits Guests Ginger Lee, DrPH, is the founder of the Ginger Lee Global Health Consulting Group, supporting communities and organizations committed to social justice and equitable systems change. Raised in low-resourced neighborhoods, she brings a deep commitment to community power building and transformational change. Dr. Lee has served as CEO of two nonprofits, a highly successful development director, a government policy maker, and president of a globally focused foundation. Her expertise centers on systems and organizational change, non-profit leadership, and on shifting traditional philanthropy to invest in systems-level solutions alongside direct service. She is the author of the research-based Public Health and Racial Equity (PHaRE) Model for Systems Change, which clarifies the mechanisms for systems transformation led by communities most impacted by inequities. https://www.linkedin.com/in/weavingchange/ https://gingerleeglobal.com/ Dr. Anthony "Tony" Iton, CEO of The Health Trust, is a physician, attorney, public health leader, and nationally recognized advocate for health equity. Over a career spanning more than 30 years, Dr. Iton has tackled systemic barriers to health and championed community-led solutions to address inequities. At The California Endowment, he served as Senior Vice President for Healthy Communities, leading the landmark $1 billion, 10-year Building Healthy Communities initiative—one of the largest philanthropic efforts of its kind in the nation. His visionary leadership focused on empowering marginalized communities, shifting policy systems, and reimagining public health practices. Dr. Iton holds an MD from Johns Hopkins University, a JD and MPH from UC Berkeley, and a BS in Neurophysiology from McGill University. He is a Lecturer of Health Policy and Management at UC Berkeley's School of Public Health and serves on the boards of national organizations focused on health equity, including the Public Health Institute and Prevention Institute. https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtonyiton/ https://healthtrust.org/ Elizabeth Silverstein has served the not-for-profit sector for more than 40 years, specializing in transformational giving, vision casting, inspiring boards, and building passionate, effective teams. Beth has been instrumental in cultivating major gifts for capital campaigns in healthcare, two presidential libraries, higher education, K-12 independent schools, and social service organizations. With an ardent passion for protecting and propelling the nonprofit sector, Beth has joined the team at VisionConnect, a consultancy specializing in strategic planning, coalition building, governance excellence, and nonprofit capacity building. A BoardSource-certified Governance Consultant, she is passionate about coaching boards toward purpose-driven leadership and crafting bold strategic plans that drive maximum mission impact. https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-reynolds-silverstein-b211b7a/ https://www.visionconnectllc.com/ Hosts Russ Phaneuf, a co-founder of IPM Advancement, has a background in higher education development, with positions at the University of Hartford, Northern Arizona University, and Thunderbird School of Global Management. As IPM's managing director & chief strategist, Russ serves as lead fundraising strategist, award-winning content creator, and program analyst specializing in applied system dynamics. https://www.linkedin.com/in/russphaneuf/ https://www.ipmadvancement.com/ Rich Frazier has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 35 years. In his roles as senior consultant with IPM Advancement and founder of VisionConnect LLC, Rich offers extensive understanding and knowledge in capital campaigns, fund development, strategic planning, and board of directors development. https://www.linkedin.com/in/richfrazier/ https://www.visionconnectllc.com/
Send us a textWhat happens when the money your organization needs comes with a muzzle attached? In this bold and necessary conversation, Maria and Caitlin tackle one of the most uncomfortable truths in the nonprofit sector: funders using their financial power to silence organizational advocacy and control community narratives. On this week's episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, co-hosts Maria Rio and Caitlin McBride don't hold back as they share real stories of organizations facing pressure to stay quiet, stay neutral, and stay safe in exchange for funding. From the Ontario Trillium Foundation's anti-advocacy clauses to prolific donors demanding ideological alignment, this episode exposes how censorship happens behind closed doors and what nonprofit leaders can do to protect their mission. If you've ever felt pressured to soften your stance, avoid political issues, or accept funding that made you uncomfortable, this conversation will validate your concerns and give you practical strategies to stand your ground. Because serving your community means advocating for your community, even when it costs you. The Highlights: The OTF investigation: How political appointments led to anti-advocacy clauses in funding agreements, and how public pressure eventually got them removed Real consequences of saying "yes": Caitlin shares the personal story of turning down a longtime funder whose new agreement would have muzzled not just the organization, but individual staff and board members from speaking out The Band-Aid trap: Why organizations that don't advocate for systemic change end up keeping communities in cycles of dependency When politicians weaponize nonprofits: Examples of how elected officials use organizations for photo ops and political gain while simultaneously trying to control their messaging The performativity problem: How organizations publicly claim values they privately compromise through the funding agreements they sign Resources and Links: Gabe Oatley's investigation into Ontario Trillium Foundation's anti-advocacy clauses Connect with our cohost, Caitlin McBride Support the show Connect with the show: Watch the episode on YouTube; follow Maria Rio on LinkedIn for more conversations and resources. Or support our show. We are fully self-funded! Book a Discovery Call with Further Together: Need help with your fundraising? See if our values-aligned fundraisers are a fit for your organization.
Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Resignation Greene announced she will resign from Congress in January. This is a significant moment for the Republican Party, emphasizing internal accountability and contrasting it with perceived Democratic inaction on radical elements. Greene’s shift from pro-Trump to anti-Israel and anti-capitalist positions is highlighted as a cautionary tale. Donald Trump’s withdrawal of support is portrayed as the decisive factor in her resignation. Minnesota Welfare Fraud Funding Al-Shabaab A report claims Minnesota taxpayers indirectly funded the terrorist group Al-Shabaab through massive welfare fraud. Fraud involved members of the Somali community in Minnesota, exploiting Medicaid programs like Housing Stabilization Services. Billions of dollars were stolen, with millions allegedly routed to Somalia and ultimately to Al-Shabaab via informal money networks. The commentary criticizes Democratic leadership and media for ignoring the issue, framing it as both a security threat and a failure of governance. Texas Redistricting Battle Texas redrew its congressional map to add five Republican seats. A federal district court struck down the map, but Justice Alito issued a stay, keeping the new map in place for now. This decision could determine control of the House and contrasts Republican and Democratic gerrymandering practices. Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz X: https://x.com/tedcruz X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This episode is presented by Create A Video – A Texas Sheriff and an investigative reporter laid out the hidden organizations promoting the illegal immigration crisis in America - and who is funding the anti-ICE protests. Subscribe to the podcast at: https://ThePetePod.com/ All the links to Pete's Prep are free: https://patreon.com/petekalinershow Media Bias Check: GroundNews promo code! Advertising and Booking inquiries: Pete@ThePeteKalinerShow.comGet exclusive content here!: https://thepetekalinershow.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tech, data, and generosity are not abstract buzzwords—they're concrete levers that can stabilize funding, expand impact, and re-energize exhausted fundraisers. Chief Fundraising Officer Kimberly O'Donnell of Bonterra joins us to map out how recurring giving, trust-based philanthropy, and AI-powered tools can move the entire sector from scarcity thinking into a new “generosity generation.”Kimberly starts by reframing recurring giving as non-negotiable infrastructure, not a nice-to-have tactic. As she puts it, “Recurring giving is essential for nonprofit sustainability. Just no, hard stop there.” Bonterra's own research shows why: in its Meet the Moment report, 58% of federally funded nonprofits report financial instability this year. In that environment, a predictable base of sustainers—monthly and annual—can keep programs moving even as federal funds, disaster response dollars, and one-time grants fluctuate.She shares a compelling case study: a Bonterra client that introduced three choices on its donation page—one-time, monthly, and annual. By normalizing both monthly and annual recurring options, that organization grew from zero sustainers to more than 65,000, proving that donors will enthusiastically choose ongoing support when invited clearly and confidently.Kimberly also dismantles the common boardroom fear that sustainers will cannibalize major gifts. In her view, that's simply a myth. Monthly donors should be seen as high-value relationship partners whose lifetime contributions, planned gifts, and sponsorship potential can grow over time. The real problem isn't “small monthly donors”; it's organizations deciding on behalf of donors when and how they will give.From there, the conversation widens. Kimberly explains how Bonterra's vantage point—serving nonprofits, community foundations, CSR programs, and public agencies across the social good ecosystem—reveals sector-wide patterns in real time. Trust-based philanthropy, she notes, hasn't disappeared; it's evolving. Funders are becoming more intentional, concentrating resources on core pillars while streamlining reporting and using their networks to introduce nonprofits to new corporate and philanthropic partners.Achieving that shift, Kimberly argues, will require data, AI, and human connection working together—what Bonterra calls the generosity generation.AI, in particular, is already reshaping daily fundraising practice. Bonterra has been using agentic AI since 2016–2017, and its new tools are built with a “human in the loop” philosophy so fundraisers can test, refine, and own their messages.Kimberly's closing message is both empathetic and urgent: acknowledging nonprofit exhaustion yet pushing leaders to resist retreat: this is not a moment to slow down—it's a moment to experiment, ask bolder questions, and lean on tools that make the work more sustainable. #TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitFundraising #BonterraTechFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits! 12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show
This episode explores the stages of foundation responses to the Trump Administration's War on Charities, through the lens of a place-based funder network. Rusty sits down with Megan Thomas, CEO of Catalyst of San Diego and Imperial Counties. This regional funder association has worked with its members and local nonprofit advisors to build several rounds of collaborative funding, including cash flow assistance loans. You'll hear:The stages of local funder reaction and response to the Trump Administration's shock-and-awe tactics in their 2025 attacks on nonprofits and philanthropy;Why and how local funders began organizing with one another to create collective funding;How persistent leadership and courage can spur collective, partnership-based responses;The consequences of the Trump Administration's actions on the local social sectorMegan is a longstanding leader in the philanthropic community, and her organization, Catalyst, is one of Fund the People's partners in the California Talent Justice Initiative.This episode is part of our biweekly Defend Nonprofits, Defend Democracy Series, as well as our ongoing efforts to feature our California Talent Justice Initiative partners across the Golden State. Transcript:Edited PDF of Episode Transcript with Time StampsRelated episodes from FTP Podcast:Defend Nonprofits, Defend the Social Safety Net - with Edward Hershey, CEO, Home of Guiding Hands (San Diego)Nonprofit Staff Resilience and Wellbeing in Turbulent Times - with Loretta Turner, Founder and Strategist, Do Good Leadership CollectiveMacArthur President Chooses Courage, Not Quiet - with John Palfrey, President, MacArthur FoundationResources mentioned in the episode:Catalyst of San Diego and Imperial CountiesUSD Nonprofit Institute Report (March 2025)Coordinated Regional Response CollaborativeResilient Response FundSustained Support FundSan Diego Solidarity NetworkCommunity-Centric FundraisingGuest bio:Megan serves as Catalyst's president & CEO, providing strategic leadership and partnership to the entire Catalyst staff, board, members, and community partners. Megan oversees Catalyst's facilitation of collaborative efforts among its funder members and other stakeholders; leads the production of philanthropy and impact investing skills-building and issue based learning; and spearheads Catalyst's work related to championing equity and opportunity. She strengthens Imperial and San Diego County communities through shared learning and pooled and aligned funding strategies, and initiatives fiscally sponsored by Catalyst.Megan brings 20 years of experience in the nonprofit and philanthropic fields to this role, having most recently served as Executive Director of San Diego Coastkeeper where she built partnerships among the nonprofit, business, and public sectors to advance environmental goals across San Diego County. Megan received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Georgetown University and her Masters in Business Administration from Yale School of Management. She serves on the board of directors for the United Philanthropy Forum (national) and the Museum of Us (San Diego).
People often think of healthcare in terms of symptoms and services, but behind every clinic visit is a deeper story shaped by food insecurity, housing instability, and more. In this episode, host Spencer Brooks talks with Penny Aronson of the Community Free Clinic in Cabarrus County, NC, about how social determinants of health influence care delivery, challenge traditional marketing narratives, and shape the clinic's outreach and funding efforts. If you're a health nonprofit communicator working to make the invisible visible, this conversation will help you frame complex issues in ways your community (and your funders) can understand. About the guest Penny Aronson has more than 15 years of experience in community programming and corporate communication leadership. Penny began her career in corporate marketing and communications, supporting corporate branding strategies. She moved to nonprofit work to support education advocacy, building a cottage school and tutoring service, and operating a freelance business for operations, marketing, and communications for small and medium-sized business owners. She developed relationships with community partners and managed extensive volunteer forces. Penny's vast background includes project management, board relations, and organizational strategy development for HR, training, and operations teams. Most recently before joining the Free Clinic, she individually raised 56% of an organization's operating budget post-COVID with donations and grants, developed three programs with a 51% increase in participation over one year, created volunteer programs with success, and increased Board involvement and training. Resources https://www.unreasonablehospitality.com/#TheBook Contact Penny LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/penny-aronson-9136832/
How do you build real, lasting relationships with funders — the kind that go beyond the grant cycle?In this episode of the Common Good Data Podcast, hosts Drew Reynolds and Roger Suclupe sit down with Bill Crouch, President of BrightDot Fundraising Advisors, to talk about the human side of fundraising. Bill shares why fundraising is not just about money — it's about meaning, trust, and impact.Together, they unpack what it looks like to connect authentically with funders, align your mission with donor purpose, and communicate the difference your work truly makes. You'll also hear practical advice on how to approach funder conversations, sustain relationships, and bridge the gap between impact and investment.What you'll learn in this episode: • How to move from transactional to transformational fundraising. • The mindset that helps funders become partners. • The connection between impact storytelling and donor trust. • Why data and relationships must work hand-in-hand. • Practical tips to strengthen long-term funder relationships.Learn more about using data for impact:Take Drew's online course at CommonGoodData.com/courses.
Host Jordan Whittenburg sits down with Houston-based transactional lender Brenda Villafranco to unpack how she funded a $10,000 earnest money deposit and earned $2,500 in under 30 days on a Sacramento fix & flip—all while working full-time as a hospital administrator.
What if the energy transition isn't about sacrifice and belt-tightening, but abundance? Are electrified technologies ready to replace the polluting fossil fuel system we're so reliant on? And what will it mean for western nations if they can't keep up with China? In this special bonus episode of Cleaning Up, recorded live in Berlin, Michael Liebreich sits down with Kingsmill Bond, strategist at Ember, to unpack The Electrotech Revolution, a powerful new framing of the global shift from a fossil-fuel economy to an electrified, efficient, and inevitable clean energy system.Together, Kingsmill and Michael explore why the growth of solar and wind is now outpacing fossil fuels worldwide, how China's leadership is reshaping the global landscape, and what Europe and the US must do to compete. Leadership Circle:Cleaning Up is supported by the Leadership Circle, and its founding members: Actis, Alcazar Energy, Davidson Kempner, EcoPragma Capital, EDP of Portugal, Eurelectric, the Gilardini Foundation, KKR, National Grid, Octopus Energy, Quadrature Climate Foundation, SDCL and Wärtsilä. For more information on the Leadership Circle, please visit https://www.cleaningup.live. Links and more:Ember's Electrotech Revolution Report: https://ember-energy.org/latest-insights/the-electrotech-revolution/Ember's Funders: https://ember-energy.org/about/Lauri Myllyvirta on Cleaning Up: https://youtu.be/FqjvCeR9VLgMichael's Pragmatic Reset Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHKGor2_BzQMichael's Pragmatic Reset Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFF1imh1U2c
Every successful nonprofit starts with a clear vision and ends with measurable impact. In this episode, we'll walk through the essential framework for transforming your mission into a fundable program—one that funders understand, believe in, and want to support. Here's the truth: funders don't fund passion; they fund impact. If your program isn't built on a clearly defined problem, backed by real community needs, and designed with measurable outcomes, it won't get funded. In this episode, we'll break down what makes a program fundable and how to design one that funders can't ignore.
Nonprofit burnout is real — and rising. In this episode, Rusty Stahl welcomes back Dr. Elisha Smith Arrillaga, Vice President of Research at the Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP). They discuss new data revealing how stress, vacancies, and limited funding flexibility are affecting nonprofit leaders and staff across the country.They dig into CEP's State of Nonprofits 2025 and Voices That Matter reports, exploring:What's driving staff burnout and morale lossThe disconnect between funder intent and nonprofit experienceHow funders can actually helpWays to use data to advocate for equity, sustainability, and smarter philanthropyElisha also shares a preview of CEP's upcoming research on how the current administration's “war on charity” is impacting the sector — and what innovations and risks are emerging in response.The episode ends with a call for funders and nonprofits alike to use the research data on The State of Nonprofits to advocate for change and collaboration.Related Episodes:Do Funders Understand the Nonprofit Burnout Crisis? (Elisha Smith Arrillaga, Center for Effective Philanthropy, Nov. 2024, S7:E1)Funders Listen Up: It's Time to Invest in Nonprofit Workers (Rusty Stahl, Fund the People, Nov. 2023, S5:E1)Understanding Funders' Blindspots (Phil Buchanan and Grace Nicolette, Center for Effective Philanthropy, Nov. 2020, S1:E7)Social Impact Grief: How to Mourn and Organize in 2025 (Meico Marquette Whitlock, Mindful Changemaker, 10/25, S8:E3)Nonprofit Staff Resilience and Wellbeing in Turbulent Times (Loretta Turner, Do Good Leadership Collective, April 2025, S7:E18)Resources & Links Mentioned:Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP)State of Nonprofits: What Funders Need to Know (2025)Voices that Matter (2025)How Foundations are Supporting Grantee Wellbeing (2024)Fund for Shared InsightCandid Nonprofit TrackerCEP Conference 2025 — Opening plenary to feature new research on the impact of the “war on charity”Fund the People Podcast Homepage
Glenn discusses what he saw at the Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony held for Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk at the White House. Stu reads a recent prediction on who is most likely to win the presidency in 2028. Glenn and Stu discuss leaked messages from a group of young Republicans, as reported by Politico. Where is the outrage from the Left regarding Virginia attorney general candidate Jay Jones' extremist language? Glenn warns of the ongoing psyop happening to the American people, but knowing when it's happening is how you fight back. Government Accountability Institute President Peter Schweizer joins to discuss the potential foreign influences pushing for Zohran Mandani to be the next mayor of New York City. Dave "Heavy D" Sparks of the Diesel Brothers joins to discuss how he was arrested and thrown in solitary confinement over unpaid attorneys' fees. PeakProsperity.com founder and CEO Chris Martenson joins to discuss AI and how it has become the new oil. The value of life is being cheapened all over the world, as Canada continues to euthanize any citizen who requests it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nonprofit leaders, are you tired of hearing that funders “don't support general operating costs”? You're not alone—and that mindset is costing your organization. In this episode, I unpack why donors often resist unrestricted funding and how you can change that conversation. The truth is, most donors genuinely care about your mission, not just your programs. They want to be part of the solution, but they need you to show them how their support fuels impact across your entire organization—from staff development to research to long-term sustainability. I'll walk you through how to set the right expectations, talk confidently about unrestricted gifts, and inspire funders to invest in your cause—not just a single program. Episode Highlights 00:20 The Challenge of Funding General Operating Costs 00:46 Shifting Donor Perspectives 02:13 Communicating Your Mission Effectively 03:18 Engaging Donors with Program Details 04:31 Assuming Donors Care About Your Mission 07:07 Investment Level Conversations 09:52 Conclusion: Changing Your Fundraising Mindset Resource The Board Clarity Club A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible. Learn More >> About Your Host Have you seen Casino Royale? That moment when Vespa slides in elegantly, opposite James, all charming smile, razor-sharp wit and mighty brainpower, and says, “I'm the money”? Well, your host, Sarah Olivieri has been likened to Vespa by one of her clients – not just because she's charming, beautiful and brainy– but because that bold statement “I'm the money” was, as it turned out, right ON the money. Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she's very, very good at it. She's brought nonprofits back from the brink of insolvency. She's averted major cash-flow crises, solved funding droughts, board conflicts and everything in between… and so she has literally become “the money” for many of the organizations she works with. As the former director of 3 nonprofits and founder of 5 for-profit businesses, she understands, deeply, the challenges and complexities facing organizations and she's created a framework, called The Impact Method®️, which can help you simplify operations, build aligned teams and make a bigger impact without getting overwhelmed or burning out – and Every. Single. One. Of her clients that have implemented her methodologies have achieved the most incredible results. Sarah is also a #1 international bestselling author, holds a BA from the University of Chicago with a focus on globalization and its effect on marginalized cultures, and a master's degree in Humanistic and Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz. Access additional training at www.pivotground.com/funding-secrets or apply for the THRiVE Program for personalized support at www.pivotground.com/application Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.
Glenn reacts to the breaking news of former FBI Director James Comey's indictment. Then: Glenn discusses the significance of the TikTok deal and the growing influence of IDF funder and billionaire Larry Ellison. -------------- Watch full episodes on Rumble, streamed LIVE 7pm ET. Become part of our Locals community Follow System Update: Twitter Instagram TikTok Facebook
Pro-Israel fanatics twist Tucker Carlson's speech from Charlie Kirk's memorial service in a desperate attempt to smear him. Then: journalist Jack Poulson discusses a revealing leak of documents exposing Israeli efforts to sabotage critics of Israel in the United States. Finally: Syria's new leader, formerly a top al-Qaeda terrorist, gets a warm welcome from U.S. officials. ------------------------------------- Watch full episodes on Rumble, streamed LIVE 7pm ET. Become part of our Locals community Follow System Update: Twitter Instagram TikTok Facebook
Before it was pushed from the headlines by the horrifying assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the major national crime story was the murder of Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian woman stabbed to death on public transportation in Charlotte, North Carolina in late August whose killing was captured on graphic surveillance video. The suspect in the […]
Corinne Goble, CEO of the Association of Women's Business Centers, leads national efforts to expand opportunities for women entrepreneurs and strengthen the small business ecosystem through funding, advocacy, and support. Top 3 Value Bombs 1. Don't wait until you're desperate for funding. Start planning while you're still stable. 2. Funders care less about your dreams and more about your preparation. Have your plan, projections, and financials ready. 3. Securing capital isn't just about money; it's about mindset, strategy, and building the right support system. Check out Corinne's website for free tools, assessments, and support to take control of your business funding journey - Biz2Grow Sponsors HighLevel - The ultimate all-in-one platform for entrepreneurs, marketers, coaches, and agencies. Learn more at HighLevelFire.com. Shopify - If you want to see less carts being abandoned, it's time for you to head over to Shopify. Sign up for your 1 dollar per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/onfire. Airbnb - Your home might be worth more than you think. Find out how much at Airbnb.com/host. Gelt - Your year-round tax partner built for entrepreneurs, business owners, investors, and high net-worth individuals who want to keep more of what they earn. Get a personalized consultation and 10 percent off your first year when you mention Entrepreneurs on Fire. Visit JoinGelt.com/eof.
#634: Picture this: you're 26 years old, fresh out of Wharton, and you decide to start a business with two friends. You spend years building a digital marketing firm that eventually works with Dollar Shave Club and Madison Reed. You bootstrap the entire thing without taking a dime of venture capital funding. That's exactly what one Wharton graduate did — and his story represents the reality of entrepreneurship that most people never hear about. Lori Rosenkopf, a management professor at Wharton Business School and head of Venture Labs, joins us to shatter the biggest myths about starting a business. The Mark Zuckerberg college dropout story? It's not just rare — it's misleading. Research shows that the most successful entrepreneurs, those in the top 0.1 percent of venture-backed firms, average late 30s to early 40s when they start their companies. Many continue launching businesses into their 50s and 60s. Your age and corporate experience isn't holding you back from entrepreneurship — it's actually giving you an advantage. Rosenkopf breaks down seven different types of entrepreneurs, from disruptors who overturn entire industries to bootstrappers who build profitable businesses using their own resources. You'll hear about a founder who disrupted the hair color industry in her 50s with Madison Reed, and a banker who built an entire financial services division inside Square. We cover the rise of direct-to-consumer brands in 2013, why 80 percent of entrepreneurs are bootstrappers, and how artificial intelligence is creating new opportunities for people to start businesses without massive upfront investments. Rosenkopf explains her "six Rs" of entrepreneurial thinking: reason, recombination, relationships, resources, resilience, and results. She argues that most people already think entrepreneurially without realizing it — even parents who optimize their family routines are solving problems through innovation. We explore the world of "intrapreneurs" — people who build new businesses within established companies — and discuss acquisition entrepreneurship, where people buy existing small businesses instead of starting from scratch. Whether you want to start a side hustle, position yourself for a promotion, or eventually launch your own company, Rosenkopf's framework shows multiple paths to creating value through innovation. Timestamps: Note: Timestamps will vary on individual listening devices based on dynamic advertising run times. The provided timestamps are approximate and may be several minutes off due to changing ad lengths. (0:00) Entrepreneurship myths (1:28) Data on successful entrepreneur ages (2:10) Seven entrepreneur archetypes (3:09) Defining entrepreneurship through value creation (5:27) The disruptor model (8:13) Direct-to-consumer origins (11:13) Bootstrapper (14:03) Transitioning from employee to bootstrapper (18:38) AI's impact on entrepreneurship (28:27) Social entrepreneur (35:31) Technology commercializer (39:45) The Funder (43:12) The Acquirer (58:06) Intrapreneurship (1:03:12) Finding your entrepreneurial calling (1:14:40) Six Rs of entrepreneurial mindset (1:19:50) More information For more information, visit the show notes at https://affordanything.com/episode634 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Glenn reacts to the insane statement Democrat Jamaal Bowman made while on CNN, where he claimed black people are unhealthy because white people use racial slurs. Is this why Glenn Beck has struggled with weight issues his whole life? A listener calls in and asks Glenn to elaborate on why he had a recent guest on whom he had previously warned about. Glenn and Jason Buttrill discuss the most radical tax policies of New York City's Democratic mayoral candidate, Zohran Mamdani. Will these policies destroy NYC if he's elected? Glenn takes calls from listeners to gauge their feelings about current events. Glenn explains why calls to deport Zohran Mamdani are wrong. We have to teach the correct values, not just silence differing opinions. Delta Hospice Society Executive Director Angelina Ireland joins to expose how the Canadian government took over her health care clinic after it refused to euthanize people at their request. Glenn and Jason review some of the various SCOTUS decisions that were released today, which gave President Trump some major wins and some significant losses from the court. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Senator Josh Hawley: Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, leading the investigation. Organizations Named: Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA) Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) Unión del Barrio Main Points: Senator Hawley has launched a formal investigation into who is allegedly funding and organizing the riots. Letters have been sent to multiple organizations demanding: Financial records Donor lists Internal communications (emails, texts, chat logs) Travel and lodging records Media and PR strategies Allegations suggest these groups may have provided logistical and financial support to escalate protests into riots. Hawley asserts that such support constitutes criminal conduct, not protected speech. Media Commentary: The document includes a transcript of Senator Hawley’s appearance on Fox News with Jesse Watters. He claims the riots are orchestrated and funded, not spontaneous. He criticizes the Democratic Party, suggesting they are aligned with or supportive of the unrest. He proposes harsher penalties for crimes committed during protests, especially those involving the American flag. Presidential Response: Former President Donald Trump is quoted addressing the situation: Defends the deployment of National Guard and Marines. Threatens to invoke the Insurrection Act if unrest spreads. Labels protesters as “animals” and “paid troublemakers.” Criticizes California leadership and praises conservative governors like Greg Abbott of Texas for proactive measures. Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the Ben Ferguson Show Podcast and Verdict with Ted Cruz Wherever You get You're Podcasts. Thanks for Listening #seanhannity #hannity #marklevin #levin #charliekirk #megynkelly #tucker #tuckercarlson #glennbeck #benshapiro #shapiro #trump #sexton #bucksexton#rushlimbaugh #limbaugh #whitehouse #senate #congress #thehouse #democrats#republicans #conservative #senator #congressman #congressmen #congresswoman #capitol #president #vicepresident #POTUS #presidentoftheunitedstatesofamerica#SCOTUS #Supremecourt #DonaldTrump #PresidentDonaldTrump #DT #TedCruz #Benferguson #Verdict #maga #presidenttrump #47 #the47morningupdate #donaldtrump #trump #news #trumpnews #Benferguson #breaking #breakingnews #morningupdateYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.